In a press release announcing his hiring, Woodcock said, “The Maine economy is at a critical moment---including encouraging signals from historic population growth and recent state revenues---but it also faces acute challenges such as housing scarcity, labor shortages, and broader competitiveness challenges. I look forward to collaborating with the business community, the Governor, the Legislature, and Maine’s congressional delegation to maximize economic opportunities throughout our state with a singular goal to make Maine a top state to live, work, learn, visit, and do business.”

Maine State Chamber Board of Directors Chair LuAnn Ballesteros said, “The Maine State Chamber is thrilled that Patrick will bring his expertise and leadership experience back home to Maine. His ability to work collaboratively and creatively to build consensus, combined with his commitment to Maine’s business community and economic future, make him an excellent fit for the role leading Maine’s largest business association.” Ballesteros is vice president of External and Government Affairs for The Jackson Laboratory.

As Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources under Governor Charlie Baker, Woodcock led a staff of 60 and oversaw offshore wind procurements, new building codes, solar policies, and all other state and regional energy policies. Woodcock also served on the Board of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and several state and regional energy boards.  

As director of Maine’s Energy Office from 2013 through 2016 under Governor Paul LePage, Woodcock helped advance air source heat pump adoption and additional energy efficiency investments in Maine, and served on the Board of Efficiency Maine Trust. He served as an energy and environment adviser to U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe from 2005 through 2012. 

Born and raised in Hampden, Maine, Woodcock graduated from Bowdoin College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. He and his wife, Robin, live in Portland with their two children.

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​PORTLAND, Maine (Mar. 1, 2023) – There are 278,500 Mainers who work in science, technology, engineering, medicine and math-related fields, accounting for more than one-third of the state’s workforce. And more than half (56%) do not have bachelor’s degrees.
 
These People of Science are advanced manufacturing specialists, electricians, foresters, ironworkers, laboratory technicians, licensed practical nurses, marine biologists and veterinarians, among others.
 
According to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, direct STEM employment grew in Maine by 3.4% between 2017 and 2021 while STEM gross domestic product increased to more than $29 billion.

​Here’s a look at fall health tips to share with your team, including some not-often-thought-about ideas to stay well: 

1. Moisturize Skin Before It Gets Too Dry
Fall is when the humidity levels dip a bit and central heat gets turned on for the first time all year. As a result, the skin’s natural moisture gets sucked out, which can cause cracks and bleeding. After showering and throughout the day, be sure to moisturize with lotion to prevent skin issues like infections due to cracking.